Work has started on a new pavilion for a Moray community, it has been revealed.
Construction commenced this week on a pavilion in Lossiemouth and the Action Marine Park group hope they will be able to welcome people to the brand-new facility by early summer.
This is possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of trustees over the year in addition to securing funding from the Moray Leader Programme, Sport Scotland, Eb Planning (Landfill) and the Robertson Trust.
The pavilion is estimated to cost £350,000 and chairwoman of the charity, Carol Lennon, said the trustees are overjoyed the project is able to go ahead with the support of the funders.
She said: “I think speaking for all of the trustees we are absolutely delighted that we are able to supply a central hub within the park to support the enjoyment of our open green space for everyone in the local community.”
The new pavilion will greatly benefit not only the existing sporting groups, such as football, tennis and biking, but also residents throughout Moray who are welcome to use the pavilion for social gatherings.
One of the main goals of the Action Marine Park group was to make their new facilities all-inclusive and accessible for locals with disabilities.
The new pavilion will have a disabled toilet, low inclination pathing and disabled parking bays at the west entrance.
The pavilion within Marine Park will also provide shelter for families as they bring children to partake in outdoor sports and for the groups to socialise.
It will also be equipped with suitable storage facilities, as they currently have to use a metal storage container which is “bursting at the seams.”
The new community pavilion will take the place of the original building which was demolished in the 1990s.
Ms Lennon said: “The desperate need for the pavilion to be re-instated in the park will be proven by the increase in numbers taking part in the both current and new activities and the attraction to other members of the community who have perhaps not been able to spend much time in the park due to their own needs not being met.
“So we hope that the replacement of the pavilion will now open the park up for many more people in the community to enjoy this space and it will be a great asset for Lossiemouth.”